NFL Draft 2022: 10 best players available after Round 1

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 04: John Metchie III #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 20: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

8. DT Travis Jones (Connecticut)

A team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round, probably needs to address its defensive line soon. University of Connecticut defensive tackle Travis Jones could be a big help for a defense that was dead last vs. the run this past season.

“He was a standout on a bad defense and more than held his own against the toughest competition he faced,” explained NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Jones has the demeanor, traits and overall ability to become a successful run-plugger and potential starter in a two-gapping scheme.”

7. RB Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State)

As previously mentioned, there was no running back taken in the first round this year. But there are always teams looking for a reliable performer as well as depth in the backfield. And former Wake Forest standout Kenneth Walker III could be the first player at his position taken in the 2020 draft.

After two seasons with the Demon Deacons, Walker spent 2021 with the Michigan State Spartans and really came into his own. He finished with 263 carries for 1,636 yards and 18 scores. He only caught 18 passes for 89 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. But he showed he could handle a heavy workload.

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